Gerald L. Shafer, age 88, of Sarahsville, Ohio, died Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Genesis Hospital in Zanesville. He was born December 10, 1934, in Canton, son of the late Ottis O. and Thelma M. Robinson Shafer. He was a 1953 graduate of Sarahsville High School and took a machinist course while living in Youngstown. Gerald retired as vice-president of Cambridge Tool and Dye following 38 years of service. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Caldwell, where he formerly served as a deacon and usher, and constructed the scenery for the church’s “A Journey to Bethlehem”. He also built five dollhouses with furnishings and he enjoyed building grandfather and mantel clocks and muzzle loaders. He was a person who could build or fix anything. Gerald loved fishing, rabbit hunting, painting and photography. He was devoted to his family.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister, Waneta Myers; and one brother, Delman Shafer.
Surviving are his wife, Evelyn L. Goodwill Shafer, whom he married December 19, 1953; his children, Dennis L. (Marilyn) Shafer of Caldwell, Jennifer F. (Michael) Mann of Tuscarawas, Bryon N. (Dianne) Shafer of Chagrin Falls; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Leah Paulette Bates of North Canton; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Friday, December 1, 2023, from 11AM-1PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will follow visitation at 1PM with Ken Perkins officiating. Burial will follow at Village View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 532 North Street, Caldwell, Ohio, 43724. The family would like to offer special thanks to Gerald’s caregivers at Altercare Summit Acres.
